Juniperus osteosperma

Common Names

Desert Juniper, Utah Juniper, Sabina Morena, Sabina, Desert Cedar, Cedro

Summary

Utah juniper is an evergreen conifer native to the southwestern United States, typically a slow-growing shrub or small tree with a rounded to irregular crown and usually a single trunk. Foliage consists of tiny scale-like leaves that are light yellow-green, with gray-brown exfoliating bark; seed cones are globose, blue to blue-purple when mature and maturing in 1–2 years. The plant is monoecious and wind-pollinated, often forming pure stands or in pinyon–juniper woodlands on dry, rocky soils.

It thrives in full sun and well-drained, often alkaline soils, is drought-tolerant once established, and requires little irrigation; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. It is hardy to USDA zones 3–7 and grows slowly; transplanting mature plants is difficult due to a deep taproot, with minimal maintenance. In landscapes it serves as a windbreak or hedge, provides erosion control and wildlife habitat, and berries are edible raw or cooked; wood is used for fence posts and firewood.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

15-30 ft

Spread

0 ft - 30 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, often rocky or sandy, tolerates alkaline soils.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

7.4-8.0

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Non-flowering

Foliage Color

Yellow-green to green, including pale or yellow-green with whitish wax.

Fall Foliage Color

Green; evergreen with no fall color change.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen needle

Growth Rate

Very slow growth, about 0.05 inch per year (0.127 cm/year)

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, bees, and other pollinators